Can you do it? Yes you can!

For the new actor, Perform Australia's 'Acting 101' course is the best place to start! Get out of your skin and find the performer within. Through drama games, script work, improvisation and vocal exercise, you'll cover the fundamentals of acting for stage and screen from the ground up. A fun class in a supportive atmosphere. Prepare to play!

What happens in class?

Your average Acting 101 class will start with a warm-up - perhaps a physical or vocal warm-up, or even a game. Then there'll be some learning - something about the aspect of acting technique you're be working on that week. You'll do a range of exercises and activities to consolidate the learning. Then you might work on rehearsing a script for your little performance at the end of the term.

Do we actually get to perform?

Yes, you do! But it's a low-pressure performance - for most participants, it's their first one ever! So we know that can be challenging. It's usually in the last week of the term, and you can invite your family or friends to come along and see you (or not!). You'll be in a little scene, most likely with one or two other people. So yes, there are some lines to learn - but your tutor will guide you every step of the way, working with you every week to help you make the most of your performance. Everybody gets nervous about the prospect of being in a show - that's COMPLETELY NORMAL. But there'll be lots of encouragement and learning along the way. And it's OK to make mistakes. Plus you'll have the buzz of getting up on stage and strutting your stuff!

WHY YOU SHOULD DO THIS COURSE RIGHT NOW

Reason #1 : It'll be fun

Acting 101 is a fun and social class - a chance to meet other people who are as interested as you in seeing what 'this acting thing' is all about!All you need to join is a willingness to give it ago. There'll be quite a few activities that feel like games - games that have a point to them. So if you need a little light in your life, Acting 101 is it.

Reason #2 : It's run by a professional actor who knows what he's talking about

Stephen Thomas is a graduate of NIDA’s acting degree and also holds a Masters in Creative Arts and a Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Writing, as well as a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. He spent many years as the Dean of Performance at C3 College in Sydney, teaching acting for stage and screen, film production, and writing, as well as directing numerous theatrical productions. He loves to help students discover their capacity as actors through an experiential learning process, helping them to marry technique with intuition. And have fun while he's at it!

Reason #3 : No crazy actor types in class

One of the things that those new to acting worry about is that an acting class will be full of kooky actor-types. Weird characters who are a bit "out there", with intimidating, wacky personalities... Want to know the truth? Acting 101 is usually full of public servants, tradies, school leavers, over-50s, stay-at-home mums, and students. It's a mixed bag of ordinary people, just like you. You'll fit right in.

MORE REASONS TO DO THIS COURSE

You'll step out of your comfort zone

Acting requires you to stand up in front of others. For some people, that's a scary prospect. But for others, that's just where they want to be. They want the courage to do that boldly and confidently. To play a role on stage. To become a character, someone different from yourself. Acting 101 will help you do just that.

You'll build self-confidence

Acting helps you develop communication skills, creative thinking skills, and team skills as you work with others to create a performance. From there, self-confidence grows. These are the wonderful side-effects of being involved in dramatic art.

You'll join the Perform Australia community

​When you do a course at Perform Australia, you meet your "tribe". You'll meet other actors - people to network with, to work on projects with, and simply to dialogue with. Our students say they enjoy being a part of our artistic community.

What our students say

"I just wanted thank you guys... I enrolled and attended your 'Acting 101' class last year. I had no experience whatsoever in theatre and acting.

"After attending the course, I later auditioned for the lead role of “Jesus” in the production 'Jesus Christ Superstar' run by Queanbeyan Players. I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to play the role.

"I believe the experience I gained with your classes gave me the confidence and ability to perform under the audition pressure - so thank you for your great work."- David